The boards of James Watt, Reid Kerr, and Clydebank colleges have agreed to move towards a merger following the completion of a public consultation.

Audrey Cumberford, principal designate of the proposed West College Scotland, said: "We are pleased to have taken another significant step forward in the merger process."

Meanwhile, lecturers at Reid Kerr College in Paisley will strike next Wednesday in support of a pay claim. Union representatives have been unable to persuade management to make any offers. John Kelly, EIS branch secretary at the college, said staff had no "alternative but to try to halt the cuts in our pay".